Report Prepared by: Jennifer Flachman, Senior Management Analyst
Title
SUBJECT: Report on the Arts and Culture Advisory Commission’s Selection of the Metal Canal Street Blossom Public Art Project in the Arch at Bob Hart Square Design Award
REPORT IN BRIEF
City staff to report on the Arts and Culture Advisory Commission’s selection of the metal Canal Street Blossom Public Art Project to be installed in the Arch at Bob Hart Square.
RECOMMENDATION
Information Only.
Body
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced, Section 200.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the 2025-26 Council Goals and Priorities: Public Works & City Beautification.
DISCUSSION
As part of the ongoing enhancements to Bob Hart Square in downtown Merced, the City identified an opportunity to incorporate a permanent public art feature within the existing arch display. The project was envisioned as a visually distinctive sculptural element that would serve as a focal point for the square while enhancing the character and identity of this important community gathering space.
To facilitate the project, the City issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking qualified artists with experience in metal fabrication to design, fabricate, and install a sculpture at the center of the Bob Hart Square arch display. The solicitation was publicly advertised through the City's website and procurement platform to attract experienced public artists and fabricators.
Following the close of the solicitation period, submitted proposals were evaluated based on the criteria outlined in the RFP, including artistic merit, project approach, relevant experience, technical capability, project schedule, and overall value.
After reviewing the proposals, the Arts and Culture Advisory Commission selected Canal Street Blossom by Jesus Eduardo Magana, Paulina Bouyer-Magana, and Jason M. Saunders. The Commission determined that the proposal best reflected the goals of the project and demonstrated the artistic vision, creativity, and technical expertise necessary to deliver a high-quality public art installation for Bob Hart Square.
Canal Street Blossom will be installed within the Bob Hart Square arch display and will serve as a permanent public art feature in downtown Merced. Upon completion of the installation, the City will host an official unveiling ceremony to celebrate the artwork and recognize the contributions of the artist team.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
Bob Hart Square Medallion Project: A total of $25,000 in funding is available within the Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget for this expense in the City Manager’s Professional Services Account Line 10001000-511012.
Funding for this project was approved at the January 6, 2025, City Council meeting.
ATTACHMENT
1. Canal Street Blossom Submission